Fire near Copperopolis backs up traffic

The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office told motorists to avoid Pool Station Road from Riata Way to Highway 4 on Sunday afternoon because of a vegetation fire. The 45-acre fire was between Hunt Road and Pool Station Road and caused significant traffic backup and other issues in the region. Some evacuations were in place, and a shelter was being opened at Copperopolis Elementary School, 217 School St.